Fulfill Your Promises

When a person promises to do something and they are later unable (or unwilling) to do what they promised, it is common for them to provide a “Really Good Reason” as to why they were unable to fulfill their promise. An example of this might be “I’m really sorry that I didn’t make it to your party. I was stuck in traffic.” or “I am sorry I didn’t call you. I was really busy at work.”

How do you feel when someone escapes a promise and gives you an excuse like this? When someone excuses themself from a promise towards me, I may experience a range of feelings varying from indifference to anger. Either way, I am always disappointed in the other person… And you know what? This is how the people in your life feel when you excuse something that you have promised to them.

When you make an excuse for a promise, you are acting as if you had actually fulfilled that promise. You think it is totally reasonable for the person in your life to accept your excuse instead of expecting you to fulfill upon your promise. You say you are sorry and give your “Really Good Reason” - but the fact remains that you did not fulfill your promise and the person in your life is disappointed.

While it may seem common for people to excuse their promises, that doesn’t make it right. Some people may begin to form opinions about you based on your record of excuses. This isn’t to say that you are a bad person. Rather, you simply aren’t fulfilling your promises and you should consider the effect that is having on the people and relationships in your life.

The next time you are unable to fulfill a promise, try not to excuse your actions. Tell the person that you are genuinely sorry and show them that you really understand the negative effect that your excuses have on their life. They will be happy that you can understand how your excuse has effected them, and they will welcome the opportunity for you to fulfill on a promise in the future.